Mr billionaire's regret chasing his irresistible wife by Gabby Emmanuel

Focusing on the future.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"I didn't know how to tell you," I said softly. "It wasn't something I hid on purpose. I was afraid of how the academy might react if they found out I was pregnant. I wasn't sure if they would still accept me." Dwayne's expression grew somber, his eyes filled with a mixture of understanding and disappointment.

"Even me?" His voice was calm but carried a weight that made me feel small. "Arielle, we are friends. I know I have no right to demand anything from you, but you could've at least told me. I'd never rat you out, not if you were afraid of that."

I looked down, "I'm sorry. I really did think of telling you, but... I didn't know how you'd react. And honestly, what could you have done? You're not a doctor, and you're not a woman who can relate to pregnancy."

He shook his head gently, his voice unwavering. "You don't give me enough credit. I would've done anything to help you. You know I would've been there for you. Hell, I wouldn't have even gone on that trip if I knew." He paused, a small sigh escaping his lips. "What would you have done if I had already boarded that plane?"

The thought sent a chill through me. I hadn't let myself consider it before, how isolated I truly was without my family nearby. If Dwayne hadn't been there... I would've been helpless.

"You're right," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I really don't know what I would've done. I'm sorry..."

He let out a small breath, the tension between us lifting slightly. "It's fine," he said, offering me a reassuring smile. "But honestly, how did you even manage to keep a pregnancy hidden for nine months?"

I chuckled, relieved at his change in tone. "Tummy wraps, flowy dresses, all sorts of tricks to conceal the bump. I couldn't risk losing the scholarship."

"Women are something else," he said, his eyes widening in disbelief. "I give it to you."

on the door broke our moment. "Come in," I called, my heart fluttering as the nurse

kind smile,

closer, gently took the baby from her. He looked down at the tiny bundle, his eyes

my son so naturally. The way Dwayne held him, cradling him with such tenderness, stirred something deep inside me. It wasn't a comparison-I hadn't meant to-but for the first time in a long while, I thought about Jared. My ex-husband. I hadn't thought about him in months, not

the sharp pang

I felt something Thadn't expected: peace. There was no anger, no lingering sadness. Just a strange calmness. Maybe, just maybe, this child would be happy, even

him, and I realized

of hope swelled within me. This little boy didn't need to be defined by his absent father. He had a future ahead of him, and I would make sure

"For everything. I don't know how I

to thank me. You don't owe me anything, Arielle. I'm just glad you and the little

at my lips. "If there's anything I can do to repay you,

but with a trace of gravity. "Careful, don't make promises you don't mean," he teased gently. "Especially in front of

softly, the tension in the room finally easing. "I mean

said, giving me a cooler, more thoughtful

a comfortable silence, the only sound being the gentle coos from my son. But then, Dwayne's voice broke through, softer now. "Speaking things you could do,

something I've been meanine

g to ask.

voice was measured, as though carefully weighing